Marine Lifting Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. The catamaran hull arrangement provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or barges. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames. Alternatively, a package that is to be lifted from the deck of a marine vessel, workboat, supply boat or the like can be lifted from the deck of the workboat, vessel, barge, etc. if it is to be then placed in the marine environment such as upon an existing jacket or other under support.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/610,271, filed Dec.13, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is incorporated herein byreference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to marine lifting devices. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an improved catamarantype lifting apparatus that employs spaced apart or catamaran hulls,each of the hulls supporting a truss or frame that spans between thehulls at spaced apart positions. Even more particularly, the presentinvention relates to an improved catamaran lifting apparatus for use ina marine environment, wherein spaced apart frames are connected to thehulls in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart, the first frameconnecting with a first of the hulls with the universal joint and to thesecond hull with a hinged connection, the second frame connecting to thesecond hull with a universal joint and to the first hull with a hingedconnection.

2. General Background

A catamaran lifting apparatus that can be used to lift multi-ton objectsemploys two spaced apart barges or hulls or vessels. In general, suchlifting devices that employ a pair of spaced apart hulls have beenpatented, many patents having been issued to applicant as contained inthe following table.

TABLE 1 PATENT NO. TITLE ISSUE DATE 4,714,382 Method and Apparatus forthe Offshore Dec. 22, 1987 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated DeckPackages on Partially Submerged Offshore Jacket Foundations 5,607,260Method and Apparatus for the Offshore Mar. 01, 1997 Installation ofMulti-Ton Prefabricated Deck Packages on Partially Submerged OffshoreJacket Foundations 5,609,441 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore Mar.11, 1997 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated Deck Packages onPartially Submerged Offshore Jacket Foundations 5,662,434 Method andApparatus for the Offshore Sep. 02, 1997 Installation of Multi-TonPrefabricated Deck Packages on Partially Submerged Offshore JacketFoundations 5,800,093 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore Sep. 01,1998 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such as Deck Packages, Jackets,and Sunken Vessels 5,975,807 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore Nov.02, 1999 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such as Deck Packages andJackets 6,039,506 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore Mar. 21, 2000Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such as Deck Packages and Jackets6,149,350 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore Nov. 21, 2000Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such as Deck Packages and Jackets6,318,931 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore Nov. 20, 2001Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such as Deck Packages and Jackets6,364,574 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore Apr. 02, 2002Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such as Deck Packages and Jackets

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved catamaran lifting apparatusthat employs first and second spaced apart vessels or hulls. The vesselscan be barges, dynamically positioned marine vessels, other floatinghulls or the like.

A first frame or truss spans between the vessels or hulls at a firstposition. A second frame or truss spans between the hulls at a secondposition. The first and second positions are spaced apart so that eachframe can move independently of the other, notwithstanding wave actionacting upon the hulls. Load spreaders can provide an interface betweeneach frame or truss and each vessel (e.g. barge, ship, etc.)

The first of the frames or trusses connects to the first hull or vesselwith a universal joint and to the second hull or vessel with a hingedconnection. The second frame connects to the second hull with auniversal joint and to the first hull with a hinged connection.

The catamaran hull arrangement of the present invention provideslongitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the uniqueuniversal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses andthe hulls or vessels.

Each frame extends upwardly in a generally inverted u-shape thatprovides space under each frame or truss and in between the vessels orhulls for enabling a marine vessel to be positioned in between the hullsand under the frames. The space in between the hulls or vessels andunder the frames or trusses can also be used as clearance for elevatingan object to be salvaged from the seabed to a position next to or abovethe water's surface.

In a plan view, each frame or truss can be generally triangular inshape. Winches and rigging such as a block and tackle arrangement can beused to lift objects with the apparatus of the present invention. Theframes can each be of a truss configuration.

In a second embodiment, one or more slings can be provided that connectbetween a frame and a hull. The connection of each frame to a hullopposite the universal joint can be a pinned or a hinged connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side, elevation view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention, with each winch and lifting lineremoved for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 6-8 are schematic illustrations of a rough sea condition;

FIGS. 9A-9D are fragmentary views of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention, wherein FIG. 9B is a sectional, topview taken along lines 9B-9B of FIG. 9A, FIG. 9C is an elevation viewtaken along lines 9C-9C of FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9D is a sectional viewtaken along lines 9D-9D of FIG. 9C;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention showing a block and tackle riggingwith winches and lift lines;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred embodiment ofthe apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention and showing a method step of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention and showing a method step of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention and illustrating the method of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 15-16 are elevation views that further illustrate the method ofthe present invention;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along lines 17-17 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 18 is a elevation view of a second embodiment of the apparatus ofthe present invention;

FIG. 19 is a plan fragmentary view of the second embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the second embodiment ofthe apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a partial, perspective view of the second embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a partial, perspective view of the second embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a partial, perspective view of the second embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 24 is a partial, perspective view of the second embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-7 and 9-11 show the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention designated generally by the numeral 10. Marine liftingapparatus 10 provides a pair of spaced apart vessels or hulls 11, 12,each providing a deck 30. Hulls 11, 12 can be barges, dynamicallypositioned vessels, or any other buoyant structure. A pair of frames ortrusses 13, 14 are provided, each frame 13, 14 spanning between thevessels 11, 12. Each frame 13, 14 connects to one vessel 11 or 12 with auniversal joint 15 or 17 (see FIGS. 1, 4, 9) and to the other hull 11 or12 with a hinged or pinned connection 16 or 18 (see FIGS. 4-12).

The first frame 13 connects to hull 11 with universal joint 15 (orarticulating connection). The first frame 13 connects to vessel 12 witha pinned connection or hinge 16. Similarly, the second frame 14 connectsto hull 12 with a universal joint 17 (or articulating connection) and tohull 11 with a hinge or pinned connection 18 (see FIG. 4).

An interface such as a deck beam or load spreader platform 19 or 20 canbe provided on the upper deck 30 of each hull 11, 12 for forming aninterface between the frames 13, 14 and the vessels 11, 12. For example,vessel 11 is provided with deck beam or load spreader platform 19 on itsdeck 30 that forms an interface between each of the frames 13, 14 andthe barge or vessel 11 deck 30. Deck beam or load spreader platform 20provides an interface between each of the frames 13, 14 and deck 30 ofthe vessel or barge 12.

In FIG. 4, a plan or top view of the apparatus 10 of the presentinvention is shown. A lifting area 21 is that area that is in betweenthe vessels 11, 12, the area 21 having a length defined by dimensionarrow 23 and a width defined by dimension arrow 22 in FIG. 4. This area21 is sized and shaped to receive a vessel having a cargo to be liftedif that cargo (e.g. deck package) is to be installed. Alternatively, thearea 21 can be an area that receives a vessel for supporting andtransporting an item to be salvaged from an ocean floor (see FIGS. 5 and11-15) such as a hurricane smashed or damaged offshore platform section34, sunken boat 33 or the like. In either case, a clearance is providedabove the water surface 24.

In FIG. 3, a clearance between water surface 24 and frame 13 or 14 isindicated schematically by the dimension line 25. Similarly, a clearance26 is provided above the maximum deck elevation 35 of the hulls 11, 12as shown in FIG. 3.

Each of the frames 13, 14 can be in the form of a truss as shown. Theframes are generally speaking in the shape of an arch or inverted U sothat an area is provided under the frames and above the water surfacefor raising an item that is being salvaged or to lift an item from abarge or other vessel or support that is under the frames. Each truss orframe 13, 14 can be a one piece structure (see FIG. 10) or amulti-section truss (see FIGS. 1-4). For multi-section frames 13, 14they provide a center truss section 27, a smaller side truss section 28and another smaller side truss section 29. Pinned connections 31, 32 canbe provided for attaching the smaller truss sections 28, 29 to thelarger center truss section 27 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Slings can optionally be provided for connecting the center section 27to the lower end portion of each of the smaller truss sections 28, 29.Shackles can be used to attach each of the slings to eyelets or padeyeson the center section 27. Likewise, shackles can be used to attach theslings to eyelets or padeyes on the smaller truss sections 28, 29.

A hook 40 or other lifting fitting can be attached to a lifting line 41and paid out from winch 42. More than one lifting line 41 and hook 40can be provided as shown. Sheaves 43, 44, 45 as needed can be used toroute the line 41 from winch 42 to hook 40. Line 41 can be a multipleline assembly to increase lift capacity such as is shown in FIG. 13.Hook 40 can be any lifting fitting such as any known commerciallyavailable crown block, for example.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate the articulation that is achieved with the methodand apparatus of the present invention, even in rough seas. In FIGS. 6and 7, rough sea conditions are shown wherein the vessels 11, 12 assumediffering orientations relative to each other caused by the rough seastate. Notwithstanding the orientation of the vessels 11, 12 thecombination of an articulating connection 15, 17 with hinged or pinnedconnections 16, 18 enables complete articulation between each of theframes or trusses 13, 14 and each of the vessels or hulls 11, 12.

In FIGS. 9A-9D, an exemplary articulating connection 15, 17 is shown. InFIGS. 9A-9D, a frame or truss 13, 14 connects to a load spreaderplatform 19 or 20 at padeyes 61, 62. A first shaft 63 is pivotallyattached to the padeyes 61, 62. A second shaft 64 is pivotally attachedto the first shaft 63 at opening 69 in first shaft 63. The second shaft64 also defines a pivotal connection for the frame 13 or 14 to the firstshaft 63 as shown. This universal joint arrangement enables the frame 13(or 14) to move in an articulating fashion with respect to the loadspreader platform 19 or 20 and with respect to the underlying vessel 11or 12 as indicated schematically by arrows 65, 66 in FIGS. 9A-9D.

FIGS. 10-17 show the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention when fitted with a block and tackle arrangement.Vessels 11, 12 are also shown fitted with anchor lines 67 that connectconventional anchors (not shown) to anchor winches 68 on the vessels 11,12. The anchor winches 68 can be used to exactly position vessels 11, 12and to stabilize their positions during a lift. A block and tacklearrangement (FIGS. 10-17) can be used to lift an item to be salvagedfrom the seabed 55 such as the damaged platform section 34 in FIG. 12.

In FIGS. 10-17, each of the frames 13, 14 is rigged with an upper sheave48 and upper pulley block 49. Each frame 13 or 14 can be rigged with alifting line 41 and one or more winches 42. In FIGS. 10-12 for example,each frame 13, 14 has two winches 42, each winch 42 having a liftingline or cable 41. Lower pulley block 50 is positioned below upper pulleyblock 49. The pulley blocks 49, 50 can provide multiple pulleys such asis shown in FIGS. 10, 13 and 17. Slings 51 can be rigged to each lowerpulley block 50. Each sling 51 can support a lifting beam or spreaderbar 54. Each spreader bar 54 can support one or more slings 53 as shownin FIGS. 12, 17. The slings 53 can be provided with any selectedadditional rigging such as clamps, shackles or grabs 60, as examples.Arrows 47 in FIG. 12 show lines 41 being paid out to lower the lowerpulley blocks 50 to damaged platform section 34 (see arrow 56, FIG. 12).

The damaged platform section 34 to be salvaged can be fitted with beams52 such as I-beams as an example. As the damaged or sunken platformsection 34 rests upon seabed 55, grabs 60 can be attached to the beams52 with slings 53 as shown in FIG. 12 for a lifting operation. Arrow 56in FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a lowering of the lower pulleyblocks 50 to the sunken, damaged platform section 34. After the grabs 60are connected to the beams 52, arrow 57 in FIG. 14 schematicallyillustrates an elevating of the platform section 34 as each line 41 iswound upon its winch 42.

In FIG. 15, the transport vessel 46 is moved into the area 21 underframes 13, 14. Arrow 58 schematically illustrates a lowering of thedamaged platform section 34 to the vessel 46. In FIG. 16, grabs 60 havebeen released from beams 52 and lifted upwardly in the direction ofarrow 59, away from the damaged platform section 34. The damaged orsalvaged item such as a vessel 33 or damaged platform section 34 canthen be transported to a selected locale using the transport vessel ortransport barge 46.

In FIG. 11, an alternate load spreader platform construction is shown. Asmaller load spreader platform 36 is placed under each universal joint15 or 17 of the frame 13 or 14. A larger load spreader platform 37 isplaced under each pinned connection or hinge 16 or 18 of the frame 13 or14. Each platform 36, 37 can comprise a plurality of longitudinal beams38 and a plurality of transverse beams 39 as shown. The beams 38, 39 canbe structurally connected together (e.g. welded together).

FIGS. 18-24 show a second embodiment of the apparatus of the presentinvention designated generally by the numeral 70. As with the preferredembodiment of FIGS. 1-17, the second embodiment of FIGS. 18-24 providesa marine lifting apparatus 70 that employs two vessels or hulls 71, 72.The vessels or hulls 71, 72 support a pair of frames 73, 74. Each frame73, 74 is attached to each of the vessels 71, 72 using a universal jointand a hinge. The frame 73 attaches to the vessel 71 using universaljoint 75 and to vessel 72 using hinge 76. Similarly, the frame 74attaches to vessels 71 using hinge 78 and to vessel 72 using universaljoint 77. The universal joint 75 of the frame 73 and the universal jointof the frame 74 are on different vessels as shown. Each of the frames73, 74 interfaces with the vessels 71, 72 via universal joints andhinges and optionally with a load spreader platform interface 79, 80.FIG. 21 shows more particularly a load spreader platform interface 79,80 and a universal joint 75, 77.

An area 81 is provided in between each of the vessels 71, 72 as shown inFIG. 18 and under each of the frames 73, 74. In FIG. 18, dimension line84 indicates the clearance between water surface 83 and each frame 73 or74. The dimension line 85 indicates the clearance above the hull deck 86or 87 of vessel 71 or 72 as shown. The dimension line 82 can be thewidth of the area 81 in between the barges or vessels 71, 72, indicatedby the dimension line in FIG. 18 that is labeled with reference numeral82.

A plurality of winches 88-91 are provided, two (2) winches 88, 89 or 90,91 for each frame 73, 74. Each of the winches 88-91 provides a winchline that enables the winch to lift objects from a seabed or from thewater surface area 83 via a crown block or block and tackle arrangementas shown in the drawings. The winch 88 provides a winch line 92. Thewinch 89 provides a winch line 93. The winches 88, 89 are mounted uponframe 73 as shown in FIG. 18. The winches 90, 91 are mounted upon theframe 74 as shown in FIG. 20. Winch 90 provides winch line 94. Winch 91provides winch line 95.

Each frame 73, 74 is preferably in the form of a truss. In FIG. 18, eachframe 73, 74 provides a pair of spaced apart beams 96, 97 that are usedto support a crown block 98 or 99 or other lifting arrangement such ablock or tackle or the like.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 18-24, there is provided for example twowinches 88, 89 or 90, 91 for each frame 73 or 74. Each winch 88-91 isrigged to one of the beams 96, 97 using sheaves or other rigging. Eachbeam 96, 97 supports a crown block 98, 99, block and tackle or otherlifting arrangement that affords mechanical advantage when the winches88-91 are wound in a selected direction for either paying out or reelingin the respective winch lines 92-95.

An example of an underwater object to be salvaged is shown in FIG. 20 inthe form of a platform 107. In FIG. 20, a plurality of crown blocks 98,99 attach to a lifting frame or frames or spreaders 100. Each of thelifting frames or spreaders 100 is used to lift deck 107 using aplurality of hooks 101 and slings 102, 103. Each of the slings 102 is asling that extends in between a lifting frame 100 and a hook 101.

With the method of the present invention, openings 104 can be cut indeck 105 of platform 107. In this fashion, slings 103 can extenddownwardly from hooks 101 to underdeck beams 106 that are shown inphantom lines in FIG. 22.

In order to ensure that the hooks 101 do not fall through the openings104, each hook 101 is provided with a base structure 108 that can befabricated of a plurality of plates 109 that are welded together andshafts 110 spanning between adjacent plates 109. Shafts 110 arereceptive of the loops 111 of the slings 103 as shown in FIGS. 22-23.Examples of hook and base structure arrangements are seen in FIGS. 22and 23. In FIG. 24, a base structure 112 employs a plurality of links113 that extend through an opening 104 (e.g. cut opening) in deck 105and wherein a pinned connection 114 extends through the links 113 andbeneath an underdeck beam 106 as shown. Hook 101 of FIG. 24 can attachvia pinned connections 115, 116 and plates 109 to the links 113.

The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in thepresent invention.

Parts List

Part Number Description 10 marine lifting apparatus 11 vessel 12 vessel13 first frame or truss 14 second frame or truss 15 universal joint 16hinge 17 universal joint 18 hinge 19 load spreader platform interface 20load spreader platform interface 21 area 22 dimension line 23 dimensionline 24 water surface 25 clearance above water 26 clearance above hulldeck 27 center truss section 28 smaller truss section 29 smaller trusssection 30 hull deck 31 pinned connection 32 pinned connection 33 sunkenvessel 34 damaged platform section 35 maximum deck elevation 36 loadspreader platform 37 load spreader platform 38 longitudinal beam 39transverse beam 40 lifting hook 41 lifting line 42 winch 43 sheave 44sheave 45 sheave 46 transport vessel 47 arrow 48 upper sheave 49 upperpulley block 50 lower pulley block 51 sling 52 beam 53 sling 54 spreaderbar 55 seabed 56 arrow 57 arrow 58 arrow 59 arrow 60 grab 61 padeye 62padeye 63 first shaft 64 second shaft 65 arrow 66 arrow 67 anchor line68 anchor winch 69 opening 70 marine lifting apparatus 71 vessel 72vessel 73 frame 74 frame 75 universal joint 76 hinge 77 universal joint78 hinge 79 load spreader platform interface 80 load spreader platforminterface 81 area 82 dimension line 83 water surface area 84 clearanceabove water 85 clearance above hull deck 86 hull deck 87 hull deck 88winch 89 winch 90 winch 91 winch 92 winch line 93 winch line 94 winchline 95 winch line 96 beam 97 beam 98 crown block 99 crown block 100frame/spreader 101 hook 102 sling 103 sling 104 opening 105 deck 106underdeck beam 107 platform 108 base structure 109 plates 110 shaft 111loop 112 base structure 113 link 114 pinned connection 115 pinnedconnection 116 pinned connection

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; thescope of the present invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A method of salvaging an underwater object comprising the steps of:a) providing first and second vessels at a locale that is next to anunderwater object to be salvaged; b) mounting a first frame on thevessels that spans between the vessels; c) mounting a second frame onthe vessels that spans between the vessels; d) connecting the frames tothe vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart; e)connecting the first frame to the first barge with a universal joint andto the second barge with a hinged connection that is not a universaljoint; f) connecting the second frame to the second barge with auniversal joint, and to the first barge with a hinged connection that isnot a universal joint; g) providing a space under the frame and inbetween the vessels, enabling a third marine vessel to be positioned inbetween the vessels and under the frames; and h) lifting the object withcabling that extends downwardly from the frames.
 2. The method of claim1 further comprising the step of connecting rigging between each frameand the object to be salvaged, said rigging including slings and hooks.3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of connectingrigging between each frame and the object to be salvaged, said riggingincluding slings and hooks.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein theunderwater object to be salvaged is a platform structure having a deckand beams under the deck and further comprising extending riggingthrough the deck via one or more deck openings and connecting therigging to beams under the deck.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein therigging extends between the object to be salvaged and the upper endportion of the frames.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprisingmounting a winch and winch cabling on the combination of vessels andframes and further comprising lifting the object to be salvaged with thewinch and winch cabling.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprisingattaching rigging that includes a hook suspended from the winch cablingand one or more slings attached to the object to be salvaged and to thehook.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of riggingmore than one lifting line to a frame.
 9. The method of claim 1 whereinin step “h” the cabling includes multiple winds of cabling rigged to ablock and tackle pulley arrangement.
 10. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising the step of spanning one or more beams between the frames andin step “h” the cabling depends from the beams.
 11. A method ofsalvaging an underwater object from a seabed area comprising the stepsof: a) providing first and second spaced apart hulls; b) spanningbetween the hulls with a first arch; c) spanning between the hulls witha second arch; d) spacing the arches apart by connecting the hullstogether in a configuration that spaces the hulls apart; e) connectingthe first arch to the first hull with a universal joint; f) connectingthe second arch to the second hull with a hinged connection that is nota universal joint; g) connecting the second arch to the second hull witha universal joint; h) connecting the first arch to the first hull with ahinged connection that is not a universal joint; i) extending each archupwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the arches andin between the hulls; and j) lifting the object to be salvaged from theseabed area with rigging fitted to the arches.
 12. The method of claim11 wherein each arch supports one or more beams and in step “j” therigging includes the beams.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein therigging includes a pair of beams.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein thefirst arch is a truss.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the secondarch is a truss.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein the underwaterobject is a platform having a deck and further comprising one or moreslings that connect between the rigging and the platform.
 17. The methodof claim 16 further comprising the step of providing a hook as part ofthe rigging.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the sling spans betweenthe hook and the platform and the sling extending through the deck. 19.The method of claim 11 wherein the first arch is much wider at one endportion than at its other end portion.
 20. The method of claim 11wherein the second frame is much wider at one end portion than at itsother end portion.
 21. A method of salvaging an underwater object,comprising the steps of: a) providing a pair of floating hulls; b)spanning between the hulls with a first frame; c) spanning between thehulls with a second frame; d) wherein in steps “b” and “c”, the framesare spaced apart and connected to the hulls in a configuration thatspaces the hulls apart; e) connecting the first frame to the first hullwith a universal joint and to the second hull with a hinged connectionthat is not a universal joint; f) connecting the second frame to thesecond hull with a universal joint, and to the first hull with a hingedconnection that is not a universal joint; g) extending each frameupwardly and providing a space under the frame and in between the hulls;and h) lifting the object with rigging attached at least in part to theframes.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein each frame supports one ormore beams that are a part of the rigging of step “h”.
 23. The method ofclaim 21 wherein the rigging includes one or more beams that areconnected to the frames.
 24. The method of claim 21 wherein the firstframe is a truss.
 25. The method of claim 21 wherein the second frame isa truss.
 26. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step ofsupporting one or more beams with the frames and in step “h” the riggingis fitted to the beams.
 27. The method of claim 26 further comprisingsuspending a crown block from the beams as part of the rigging.
 28. Themethod of claim 26 further comprising suspending a hook from the beamsas part of the rigging.
 29. The method of claim 21 wherein the firstframe is much wider at one end portion than at its other end portion.30. The method of claim 21 wherein the second frame is much wider at oneend portion than at its other end portion.
 31. The method of claim 21wherein each frame has end portions, one end portion being wider thanthe other at a position where the frame end portions connect to a hull.32. The method of claim 21 wherein each frame is generally arch shaped.33. A method of raising a submerged object from a seabed area in amarine locale comprising the steps of: a) transporting a floatingsupport structure to the marine locale that includes spaced apart deckareas with an open space therebetween; b) connecting a pair of arches tothe floating support structure with connections that include multipleuniversal joints and multiple hinges that are not universal joints; c)lifting the submerged object from the seabed area with rigging that issupported by the combination of floating support structure and arches;and d) wherein the object lifted in step “c” is lifted to the open spaceof step “a”.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein in step “a” the floatingsupport structure includes a catamaran.
 35. The method of claim 33wherein step “a” includes using multiple hulls to transport the floatingsupport structure, said hulls being a part of the support structure. 36.The method of claim 33 wherein step “a” includes using multiple vesselsto transport the floating support structure, said vessels being a partof the support structure.
 37. The method of claim 33 wherein each archhas a wide end portion and a narrow end portion, and further comprisingthe step of connecting the narrow end of each arch to the floatingsupport structure with a universal joint of step “b”.
 38. The method ofclaim 33 wherein each arch has a wide end portion and a narrow endportion, and further comprising the step of connecting the wide end ofeach arch to the floating support structure with a hinge of step “c”.39. The method of claim 37 wherein each arch has a wide end portion anda narrow end portion, and further comprising the step of connecting thewide end of each arch to the floating support structure with a hinge ofstep “c”.
 40. The method of claim 33 wherein in step “a” the floatingstructure is a catamaran and further comprising step “b” being completedbefore the completion of step “a”.
 41. The method of claim 33 whereinstep “b” is completed before step “a”.
 42. The method of claim 33wherein the rigging in step “c” includes one or more beams that spanbetween the arches and further comprising suspending a crown block fromthe beam or beams.
 43. The method of claim 34 wherein step “b” iscompleted before step “a”.
 44. The method of claim 35 wherein step “b”is completed before step “a”. 45-56. (canceled)
 57. The method of claim6 wherein at least one of the winches is mounted on a vessel.
 58. Themethod of claim 6 wherein at least one of the winches is mounted on aframe.
 59. The method of claim 11 wherein the rigging in step “j”includes a winch mounted on a said deck and a winch cable rigged to thewinch and to a said frame.
 60. The method of claim 11 wherein therigging in step “j” includes a winch mounted on a said frame and a winchcable rigged to the winch and to a said frame.
 61. The method of claim21 wherein the rigging in step “h” includes a winch mounted on a saiddeck and a winch cable rigged to the winch and to a said frame.
 62. Themethod of claim 21 wherein the rigging in step “h” includes a winchmounted on a said frame and a winch cable rigged to the winch and to asaid frame.
 63. The method of claim 33 wherein the rigging in step “c”includes a winch mounted on a said deck and a winch cable rigged to thewinch and to a said frame.
 64. The method of claim 33 wherein therigging in step “c” includes a winch mounted on a said frame and a winchcable rigged to the winch and to a said frame.